"Sire, if you have a moment," Gaius inquired, opening the door to the king's chambers and leaning inside.
"Of course, Gaius. What is it?" Arthur asked. He looked up from a speech he was reading.
"Have you noticed there is a great deal of head injuries among the knights, particularly you and Sir Gwaine?" Gaius said, stepping into the room.
"What do you mean?" Arthur set down the speech.
"Well, it seems every time you return from a quest, one of you had been knocked unconscious, by magic or otherwise."
"Yes, that is true. But we are knights. That is the nature of our work."
"Perhaps you could wear some type of head protection similar to the helms worn at tournaments. Such a measure would prevent many injuries."
"Helms, you say?"
"Yes, sire. Physicians in many kingdoms say that jostling the brain causes loss of consciousness, and when there is too much jostling in a lifetime, one's memory and function can be lost."
"And this can be prevented by wearing helms on patrol and missions?"
"I believe so, sire."
"Have that looked into. I want my men exposed to as little danger to their wellbeing as possible."
"As you please," Gaius bowed and departed from the chambers.
Later that evening, Gaius and Merlin were discussing their respective days over bowls of stew. As Gaius related his mission to reduce concussions among the knights, Merlin stopped eating.
"Gaius," he said, spoon in midair. "What did you just say?"
"Why?"
"I thought you always looked out for me. Made sure I wasn't discovered, and all that."
"I do. What has that got to do with anything?"
"Has it occurred to you that, aside from my general agility and sharp mind, the knights' frequent unconsciousness has helped to keep my magic secret? The reason no one knows I have magic is they have not been able to notice!"
"Lancelot knows."
"Yes, but that was different. He is the only one who knows, and I would very much like to keep it that way."
"Alright, Merlin," Gaius sighed. "What do you think we should do?"
"I have an idea," Merlin grinned. He got up from the table and hurried from their rooms, leaving Gaius to shake his head at the uneaten stew.
Merlin, meanwhile, was on his way to the knights' quarters to seek out his friend, whom he found watching a bout of arm wrestling.
"Lancelot," he whispered. "Can I speak to you for a moment?"
Lancelot glanced at his friend and nodded, then led the way to his chamber.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I need a favor," Merlin began.
"I am going to regret this, am I not?" Lancelot replied in resignation, gesturing at Merlin to continue.
The next day, Gaius again approached the king's chambers.
"Ah, Gaius," Arthur greeted him. "Have you made any progress on the acquisition of helms?"
"I have, sire," Gaius answered. "But I thought a trial might be more useful to test the benefits and downsides of a helm. As a matter of fact, Sir Lancelot has volunteered for the duty. He will wear a helm and spar with you one-on-one."
"Lancelot is acknowledged to be the best swordsman amongst the knights of Camelot."
"If he is defeated in combat, then the risks of a helm outweigh the benefits," Gaius concluded.
"That will do his ego some good," Arthur commented as they departed for the training fields.
"You mean your ego?" Gaius whispered under his breath.
"What was that you said?" Arthur turned around.
"Nothing, sire. Just talking to myself."
In a tent on the training field, Merlin was helping Lancelot to fasten on a helm.
"This is a big favor you are asking, Merlin," Lancelot said.
"I know," Merlin replied. "And I thank you for it."
"You know I would do anything for a friend. But this will not be good for Arthur."
"Not good for Arthur? What do you mean?"
"He will think himself the better swordsman," Lancelot laughed. He slapped Merlin on the shoulder before lifting the flap of the tent. "Have you not always complained of his high view of himself?"
Shortly thereafter, the clashing of swords rang out. Throngs of soldiers gathered to watch as Arthur and Lancelot engaged each other. Some thought they were evenly matched, while others noticed something odd about Sir Lancelot. Whenever he had the king at an advantage, he would hesitate and stumble slightly, as though his balance or vision was affected. Finally, Arthur launched himself at his opponent until Lancelot's sword went flying in one direction while Lancelot himself went another, hitting the ground with a thud amidst the cheers of the crowd, always appreciative of a good fight.
Arthur offered a hand to his knight, helping him off the ground.
"What happened there, Lancelot?" he asked, a hint of smugness in his voice.
Lancelot ripped off the helm.
"I really could not say."
"It's alright, you can blame it on the helm," Arthur said. "But we both know what happened."
"Yes, we do," Lancelot agreed. They both walked to where Merlin and Gaius were standing.
"Sire," Gaius said, with a knowing glance at Merlin. "Perhaps I was too hasty in my proposal. The helm may not be such a good idea."
"No, indeed not," Arthur replied. "Is that right, Lancelot?"
Lancelot grimaced but said nothing. They all watched as Arthur strode into the castle.
"You owe me, Merlin."
And readers, this is why our friends only wear helms during controlled tournaments and not during the more dangerous swordfights, and why they continually get knocked unconscious episode after episode.